Insulated door assembly

ABSTRACT

A vacuum insulated door for an appliance includes an outer wrapper that defines an evacuation port. An inner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper defining an insulating cavity therebetween. A base is coupled to the outer wrapper adjacent to the evacuation port. A servicing tube has a connecting end and a servicing end. The servicing tube is in fluid communication with the insulating cavity via the evacuation port. The connecting end is coupled to the base. A handle has first and second ends coupled to the outer wrapper and a center portion therebetween spaced-apart from the outer wrapper. The first end is coupled to the outer wrapper proximate the evacuation port. The servicing tube extends along an inner surface of the handle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/216,900, filed Mar. 30, 2021, entitled “INSULATED DOORASSEMBLY”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/716,773, filed on Dec. 17, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,021,905,entitled “INSULATED DOOR ASSEMBLY,” the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to an insulated door assembly,and more specifically, to a vacuum insulated door assembly for anappliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulateddoor for an appliance includes an outer wrapper that defines anevacuation port. An inner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper definingan insulating cavity therebetween. A base is coupled to the outerwrapper adjacent to the evacuation port. A servicing tube has aconnecting end and a servicing end. The servicing tube is in fluidcommunication with the insulating cavity via the evacuation port. Theconnecting end is coupled to the base. A handle has first and secondends coupled to the outer wrapper and a center portion therebetweenspaced-apart from the outer wrapper. The first end is coupled to theouter wrapper proximate the evacuation port. The servicing tube extendsalong an inner surface of the handle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulated doorassembly includes an outer wrapper defining an evacuation port. An innerliner is coupled to the outer wrapper defining an insulating cavitytherebetween. An evacuation port assembly includes a base coupled to theouter wrapper and a servicing tube coupled to the base. A handle hasfirst and second ends coupled to the outer wrapper. The first end isdisposed proximate the evacuation port and the servicing tube extendsalong the handle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulatedstructure includes a structural wrapper that has an insulating cavity. Ahandle assembly is coupled to the structural wrapper. The handleassembly includes an evacuation port in fluid communication with theinsulating cavity. Gas can be expressed from the insulating cavitythrough the handle assembly.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an appliance with an insulateddoor, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance with the insulateddoor of FIG. 1 with the door closed;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an insulated door with anevacuation port assembly illustrated in phantom, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the insulated door of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the evacuation port assembly of FIG. 3with a handle illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a handle assembly of an insulateddoor having an evacuation port assembly with a handle illustrated inphantom, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of assembling an insulated door,according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of servicing an insulated door,according to the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to an evacuation portassembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps havebeen represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in thedrawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent tounderstanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings representlike elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer tothe surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, itis to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, reference numeral 10 generally designates aninsulated door for an appliance 14 that includes an outer wrapper 18defining an evacuation port 22. An inner liner 26 is coupled to theouter wrapper 18 defining an insulating cavity 30 therebetween. A base34 is coupled to the outer wrapper 18 adjacent to the evacuation port22. A servicing tube 38 has a connecting end 42 and a servicing end 46.The servicing tube 38 is in fluid communication with the insulatingcavity 30 via the evacuation port 22. The connecting end 42 is coupledto the base 34. A handle 50 has first and second ends 54, 58 coupled tothe outer wrapper 18 and a center portion 62 therebetween spaced-apartfrom the outer wrapper 18. The first end 54 is coupled to the outerwrapper 18 proximate the evacuation port 22. The servicing tube 38extends along an inner surface 66 of the handle 50.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the appliance 14 is illustrated as arefrigerating appliance, however, it is contemplated that the insulateddoor disclosed herein may be used with a variety of appliances,structures, or insulation purposes other than with an appliance.Moreover, the illustrated refrigerating appliance is a bottom mountrefrigerator having the insulated door 10 and a second insulated door70, which can have a substantially similar configuration as theinsulated door 10 as discussed further herein. The insulated doors 10,70 may be rotationally and/or laterally operable panel for doors anddrawers. In non-limiting examples, the refrigerating appliance can be abottom mount refrigerator, a bottom mount French door refrigerator, atop mount refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator, a four-door Frenchdoor refrigerator, and/or a five door French door refrigerator, each ofwhich can have one or more insulated doors 10 (e.g., panels).

The insulated door 10 is a vacuum insulated panel. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the insulated door 10 includes the outer wrapper 18coupled with the inner liner 26 defining the insulating cavity 30therebetween. The outer wrapper 18 and the inner liner 26 mayalternatively be referred to as a structural wrapper that defines theinsulating cavity 30. A cabinet 74 of the appliance 14 is typically aninsulated structure having a cabinet wrapper 78 and a cabinet liner 82with an insulation cavity 86 defined therebetween.

Each of the insulating cavity 30 of the insulated door 10 and theinsulation cavity 86 of the cabinet 74 typically includes one or moreinsulation materials 90 disposed therein. It is generally contemplatedthat the insulation materials 90 may be glass type materials,carbon-based powders, silicon oxide-based materials, silica-basedmaterials, insulating gasses, and other standard insulation materials 90known in the art. The insulation materials 90 substantially fill theinsulating cavity 30 forming a substantially continuous layer betweenthe outer wrapper 18 and the inner liner 26. Similarly, the insulationmaterials 90 substantially fill the insulation cavity 86 forming asubstantially continuous layer between the cabinet wrapper 78 and thecabinet liner 82.

In the depicted example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the appliance 14 includes twoinsulated doors 10, 70, which each include the outer wrapper 18 coupledwith the inner liner 26 to define the insulating cavity 30. Theinsulated doors 10, 70 can be any rotationally and/or laterally operableinsulated panel. As such, while insulated door 70 is illustrated as adrawer, it is considered a door for purposes of this application. Theinsulation materials 90 are disposed in each of the insulating cavities30. In this way, first and second compartments 94, 98 defined by thecabinet 74 can each be sealed with an insulated door 10, 70. The outerwrapper 18 and the inner liner 26 may be made from a material at leastpartially resistant to bending, deformation, or otherwise being formedin response to an inward compressive force 102. These materials for theouter wrapper 18 and the inner liner 26 include, but are not limited to,metals, polymers, metal alloys, combinations thereof, and/or othersimilar substantially rigid materials that can be used for vacuuminsulated structures.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, an at least partial vacuum 106 isdefined within the insulating cavity 30. The at least partial vacuum 106defines a pressure differential 110 between an exterior 114 of theinsulated door 10 and the insulating cavity 30. The pressuredifferential 110 serves to define the inward compressive force 102 thatis exerted on both the outer wrapper 18 and the inner liner 26 and tendsto bias the outer wrapper 18 and the inner liner 26 toward theinsulating cavity 30. Over time, gas can infiltrate into the insulatingcavity 30 from an area outside the appliance 14, which can diminish theat least partial vacuum 106. The infiltration of gas is sometimesreferred to as gas permeation, which can result in the at least partialvacuum 106 to decrease over time.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the outer wrapper 18 defines the evacuation port22, which is an opening into the insulating cavity 30. The at leastpartial vacuum 106 is typically defined by evacuation of the insulateddoor 10 through the evacuation port 22 and an evacuation port assembly118. The evacuation port assembly 118 typically includes the base 34 andthe servicing tube 38. The evacuation port assembly 118 is in fluidcommunication with the insulating cavity 30 via the evacuation port 22to expel gas from the insulating cavity 30. The base 34 is coupled tothe outer wrapper 18 adjacent to the evacuation port 22. Typically, thebase 34 surrounds the evacuation port 22. The base 34 may be coupled toan exterior surface 122 of the outer wrapper 18, or alternatively, maybe coupled to an interior surface 126 of the outer wrapper 18, as bestillustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 34 can be coupled to theouter wrapper 18 by various mechanisms and methods, including, but notlimited to, projection, welding, resistance welding, adhering, or othercoupling methods typically used with vacuum insulated structures. Thebase 34 is typically formed of a rigid material, such as metal or metalalloys. In non-limiting examples, the base 34 can be configured as asteel washer.

The servicing tube 38 is coupled to the base 34 and extends from thebase 34 away from the exterior surface 122 of the outer wrapper 18. Theservicing tube 38 is typically formed from a metal material or anothermaterial that is generally rigid, while still being capable ofcompression, such as crimping. In non-limiting examples where the base34 is configured as a steel disk, such as a washer or nut, the servicingtube 38 can be brazed to the base 34. The servicing tube 38 is in fluidcommunication with the insulating cavity 30. According to variousaspects, the servicing tube 38 defines an evacuation path 130 (FIG. 5),such that gas can be expressed from the insulating cavity 30 and alongthe evacuation path 130 of the servicing tube 38.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the evacuation port assembly 118 mayinclude a connector 134 disposed between the base 34 and the servicingtube 38. In this way, the connector 134 is coupled to the base 34 andthe servicing tube 38 is coupled to the connector 134. The connector 134can be coupled to the outer wrapper 18 and surround the evacuation port22. Alternatively, the connector 134 can extend at least partiallythrough the evacuation port 22 into the insulating cavity 30 to couplewith the base 34.

The handle 50 includes the first and second ends 54, 58 coupled to theexterior surface 122 of the outer wrapper 18. The center portion 62 ofthe handle 50 is spaced-apart from the exterior surface 122 to define agrasping area for a user. The handle 50 is disposed over the evacuationport assembly 118 to substantially, or entirely, conceal and/or obscurethe evacuation port assembly 118 from the view of the user. Asillustrated, the first end 54 of the handle 50 is coupled to the outerwrapper 18 proximate the evacuation port assembly 118 and the evacuationport 22. The first end 54 is illustrated as a lower end of avertically-oriented handle 50. However, it is contemplated that theupper end (e.g., the second end 58) of a vertically-oriented handle 50may be disposed proximate the evacuation port assembly 118. Further, itis contemplated that the handle 50 can be horizontally-oriented, orpositioned at any angle relative to the insulated door 10, and either ofthe first and second ends 54, 58 can be disposed proximate theevacuation port assembly 118.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the handle 50 and the evacuation portassembly 118 form a handle assembly 138 that operates to substantiallyprovide access to the insulating cavity 30, while obscuring theevacuation port assembly 118 from view. As illustrated, the handle 50slopes from the first end 54 to the center portion 62 and then slopes ina mirror image from the center portion 62 to the second end 58. Each ofthe sloping portions defined by the handle 50 is typically substantiallyconsistent, thereby defining acute angles θ₁ between the slopingportions of the handle 50 and the exterior surface 122 of the outerwrapper 18.

In the depicted example, the base 34 is coupled to the interior surface126 of the outer wrapper 18. The connector 134 is coupled to the base 34and extends outward from the exterior surface 122. The servicing tube 38includes the connecting end 42 coupled to the connector 134. Accordingto various aspects, the connecting end 42 is curved to couple with theconnector 134 and allow the servicing tube 38 to extend at an angle θ₂from the connector 134. As illustrated, the servicing tube 38 and theexterior surface 122 of the outer wrapper 18 define an acute angle θ₂therebetween. The acute angle θ₁ defined between the handle 50 and theexterior surface 122 is substantially the same as the acute angle θ₂defined between the servicing tube 38 and the exterior surface 122. Inthis way, the servicing tube 38 extends away from the outer wrapper 18at a substantially same orientation as the handle 50. Moreover, theservicing tube 38 typically extends along the inner surface 66 of thehandle 50 for at least a portion of a length of the handle 50 to furtherconceal the servicing tube 38 from view. The connecting end 42 of theservicing tube 38 is positioned proximate the exterior surface 122 ofthe outer wrapper 18 and the first end 54 of the handle 50. Theservicing end 46 of the servicing tube 38 abuts the inner surface 66proximate of the center portion 62 the handle 50 and is spaced-apartfrom the exterior surface 122 of the outer wrapper 18.

According to various aspects, the handle 50 defines an inner groove 142in the inner surface 66 thereof. The inner groove 142 extends from atleast one of the first and second ends 54, 58 for at least a portion ofthe length of the handle 50. The servicing tube 38 extends at leastpartially into the inner groove 142. The handle 50 includes sidewalls146, 150 that at least partially define the inner groove 142. Thesidewalls 146, 150 are disposed on opposing sides of the inner groove142 to assist in obscuring the servicing tube 38 from view. Thesidewalls 146, 150 typically extend closer to the exterior surface 122of the outer wrapper 18 than the servicing tube 38, thereby allowing theservicing tube 38 to be entirely positioned within the inner groove 142.

Referring still to FIGS. 5 and 6, the handle 50 and the evacuation portassembly 118 are typically coupled to the outer wrapper 18 atsubstantially the same attachment point. This is advantageous for fullyconcealing and aligning the evacuation port assembly 118 with the handle50. Further, this is also advantageous for providing convenient assemblyof the handle assembly 138.

In various examples, the handle assembly 138 can include the evacuationport 22, which provides access to the insulating cavity 30. The handleassembly 138 includes at least the base 34 coupled to the outer wrapper18, the servicing tube 38 coupled to the base 34, and the handle 50coupled to the outer wrapper 18. The handle assembly 138 can furtherinclude the connector 134. The servicing end 46 of the servicing tube 38defines the evacuation port 22 and the connecting end 42 of theservicing tube 38 is in fluid communication with the insulating cavity30 through an additional opening in the outer wrapper 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the insulated door 10 is generally formed usingvacuum insulation technology. The evacuation port 22 provides access tothe insulating cavity 30 in which the pressure differential 110 isdefined after the at least partial vacuum 106 is drawn. A vacuum deviceis positioned around the servicing end 46 of the servicing tube 38 anddraws the at least partial vacuum 106 through the servicing tube 38.Once the desired pressure differential 110 is defined between theinsulating cavity 30, the inner liner 26, and the outer wrapper 18 ofthe insulated door 10, the servicing end 46 of the servicing tube 38 iscrimped to seal the servicing tube 38, and ultimately, the insulateddoor 10. A service technician can remove the handle 50 from theinsulated door 10 to access the evacuation port assembly 118. Thecrimped servicing end 46 of the servicing tube 38 is cut to provideaccess to the insulating cavity 30. The at least partial vacuum 106 maybe redrawn through the servicing tube 38 via the cut servicing end 46 tothe desired pressure differential 110. Once re-evacuated, the servicingend 46 is crimped again to seal the servicing tube 38 and the insulateddoor 10. The service technician can then couple the handle 50 to theinsulated door 10 to obscure the evacuation port assembly 118 from theview of the user. The insulated door 10 may be re-evacuated anypracticable number of times through the same process, however, thenumber of re-evacuations depends on the length of the servicing tube 38.

Referring to FIG. 7, and with further reference to FIGS. 1-6, a method200 of assembling the insulated door 10 includes step 204 of couplingthe outer wrapper 18 to the inner liner 26. An insulating material(e.g., insulating materials 90) is also typically disposed within thecavity 30 In step 208, the evacuation port assembly 118 is coupled withthe outer wrapper 18. Typically, the base 34 is coupled with the outerwrapper 18, the connector 134 is coupled to the base 34, and theservicing tube 38 is coupled to the connector 134. In step 212, theinsulated door 10 is evacuated to define the desired pressuredifferential 110 between the insulating cavity 30 and the exterior 114of the insulated door 10. The evacuation device is positioned to engage,such as extend around, the servicing end 46 of the servicing tube 38.This places the evacuation device is in fluid communication with theinsulating cavity 30 to draw the at least partial vacuum 106 within theinsulated door 10. In step 216, the servicing end 46 of the servicingtube 38 is crimped or otherwise sealed to seal the insulating cavity 30and retain the at least partial vacuum 106. In step 220, the handle 50is positioned over the evacuation port assembly 118 and coupled to theexterior surface 122 of the outer wrapper 18. When the handle 50 iscoupled with the outer wrapper 18, the servicing tube 38 extends intothe inner groove 142 of the handle 50. In this way, the handle 50 iscoupled to the outer wrapper 18 in a manner that substantially, orentirely, conceals the evacuation port assembly 118.

Referring to FIG. 8, and with further reference to FIGS. 1-7, a method300 of servicing the insulated door 10 includes step 304 of removing thehandle 50 from the insulated door 10. Removing the handle 50 providesaccess to the evacuation port assembly 118. In step 308, the servicingend 46 of the servicing tube 38 is cut, thereby breaking the seal in theservicing tube 38 and providing access to the insulating cavity 30 ofthe insulated door 10. In step 312, the insulated door 10 isre-evacuated. The evacuation device is engaged with the cut servicingend 46 of the servicing tube 38 to produce the desired pressuredifferential 110 after the at least partial vacuum 106 is drawn. In step316, the evacuation device is removed from the cut servicing end 46, andthe cut servicing end 46 of the servicing tube 38 is again crimped orotherwise sealed to seal the insulating cavity 30. In step 320, thehandle 50 is coupled to the outer wrapper 18 over the evacuation portassembly 118. The insulated door 10 may be serviced any practicablenumber of times, which can depend on the length of the servicing tube38.

According to various examples, the insulated door 10 can be used invarious appliances that can include, but are not limited to,refrigerators, freezers, coolers, ovens, dishwashers, laundryappliances, and other similar appliances and fixtures within householdand commercial settings. Additionally, the insulation materials 90 canbe a free-flowing material that can be poured, blown, compacted, orotherwise disposed within the insulating cavity 30. This free-flowingmaterial can be in the form of various silica-based materials, such asfumed silica, precipitated silica, nano-sized, and/or micro-sizedaerogel powder, rice husk ash powder, perlite, glass spheres, hollowglass spheres, cenospheres, diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof,and other similar insulating particulate material.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the present disclosure provides a variety ofadvantages. For example, the evacuation port assembly 118 is coupled tothe exterior surface 122 of the insulated door 10. In this way, theevacuation port assembly 118 maximizes space within the appliance 14,unlike conventional evacuation assemblies that are disposed on a linerand extend into the appliance 14. Further, the handle 50 partially, orentirely, obscures the evacuation port assembly 118 from view. Moreover,the handle 50 operates as a cover over the evacuation port assembly 118to protect the components of the evacuation port assembly 118.Additionally, the handle 50 operates to cover the evacuation portassembly 118 without an additional cover component added to theappliance 14. In this way, the insulated door 10 can reducemanufacturing and production costs. Additional benefits or advantages ofusing this device may also be realized and/or achieved.

The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the followingparagraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and allof the various aspects described herein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulateddoor for an appliance includes an outer wrapper that defines anevacuation port. An inner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper definingan insulating cavity therebetween. A base is coupled to the outerwrapper adjacent to the evacuation port. A servicing tube has aconnecting end and a servicing end. The servicing tube is in fluidcommunication with the insulating cavity via the evacuation port. Theconnecting end is coupled to the base. A handle has first and secondends coupled to the outer wrapper and a center portion therebetweenspaced-apart from the outer wrapper. The first end is coupled to theouter wrapper proximate the evacuation port. The servicing tube extendsalong an inner surface of the handle.

According to another aspect, a handle is disposed over a base and aservicing tube.

According to another aspect, a servicing end of a servicing tube abutsan inner surface of a center portion of a handle and is spaced-apartfrom an outer wrapper.

According to another aspect, a handle defines an inner groove and aservicing tube extends at least partially into the inner groove.

According to another aspect, a handle includes sidewalls disposed onopposing sides of an inner groove. The sidewalls conceal a servicingtube.

According to another aspect, a servicing tube and an outer wrapperdefine an acute angle therebetween.

According to another aspect, a handle conceals a servicing tube.

According to another aspect, a connecting end of a servicing tube iscurved to couple with a base.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulated doorassembly includes an outer wrapper that defines an evacuation port. Aninner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper defining an insulatingcavity therebetween. An evacuation port assembly includes a base coupledto the outer wrapper and a servicing tube coupled to the base. A handlehas first and second ends coupled to the outer wrapper. The first end isdisposed proximate the evacuation port and the servicing tube extendsalong the handle.

According to another aspect, a handle is disposed over an evacuationport assembly.

According to another aspect, a servicing tube extends along an innersurface of a handle.

According to another aspect, an attachment point between a first end ofa handle and an outer wrapper is disposed adjacent to a base.

According to another aspect, a servicing tube includes a connecting endand a servicing end. An evacuation port assembly includes a connectordisposed between a base and the connecting end of the servicing tube.

According to another aspect, a connecting end of a servicing tube iscurved to couple with a connector.

According to another aspect, a handle defines an inner groove on aninner surface thereof. A servicing tube is at least partially disposedwithin the inner groove.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulatedstructure includes a structural wrapper that has an insulating cavity. Ahandle assembly is coupled to the structural wrapper. The handleassembly includes an evacuation port in fluid communication with theinsulating cavity. Gas can be expressed from the insulating cavitythrough the handle assembly.

According to another aspect, a handle assembly includes a base coupledto a structural wrapper, a servicing tube coupled to the base, and ahandle coupled to the structural wrapper.

According to another aspect, a handle defines an inner groove and aservicing tube is disposed within the inner groove.

According to another aspect, a handle assembly includes a handle and aservicing tube. The servicing tube defines an evacuation path in fluidcommunication with an insulating cavity.

According to another aspect, an end of a handle and a connecting end ofa servicing tube are coupled to a structural wrapper at a sameattachment point.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of assembling an insulated appliancedoor, comprising: coupling an outer wrapper with an inner liner todefine an insulating cavity therebetween; coupling an evacuation portassembly to the outer wrapper and in fluid communication with theinsulating cavity; evacuating the insulating cavity via the evacuationport assembly to define a pressure differential between the insulatingcavity and an area external to said insulated appliance door; andcoupling a handle to the outer wrapper over the evacuation portassembly.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: dispensinginsulating material into the insulating cavity.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the step of coupling the evacuation port assembly to theouter wrapper includes positioning the evacuation port assembly to be influid communication with an evacuation port defined by the outerwrapper.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of coupling theevacuation port assembly to the outer wrapper includes coupling a baseof the evacuation port assembly to the outer wrapper and coupling aconnector to the base.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step ofcoupling the evacuation port assembly to the outer wrapper includescoupling a servicing tube to the connector.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the step of evacuating the insulating cavity includes drawing anat least partial vacuum within the insulating cavity.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: sealing the evacuation port assembly toretain the pressure differential.
 8. A method of assembling an insulatedstructure, comprising: providing a structural wrapper that defines anevacuation port in fluid communication with an insulating cavity;coupling an evacuation port assembly to the structural wrapper, whereinthe evacuation port assembly is in fluid communication with theinsulating cavity via the evacuation port; drawing an at least partialvacuum within the insulating cavity via a servicing tube of theevacuation port assembly; and coupling a handle to the structuralwrapper over the evacuation port assembly.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the step of coupling the handle includes positioning the handleto conceal the evacuation port assembly.
 10. The method of claim 8,wherein the step of coupling the handle includes positioning theservicing tube within a groove defined by the handle.
 11. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: dispensing an insulating material withinthe insulating cavity.
 12. The method of claim 8, further comprising:crimping an end of the servicing tube to maintain the at least partialvacuum within the insulating cavity.
 13. The method of claim 8, whereinthe step of providing the structural wrapper includes coupling an outerwrapper to an inner liner.
 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the stepof coupling the evacuation port assembly includes coupling a base to thestructural wrapper and the servicing tube to the base.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the step of coupling the evacuation port assemblyincludes positioning the servicing tube to extend at an acute angle fromthe structural wrapper.
 16. A method of servicing an insulated door,comprising: providing a structural wrapper defining an insulating cavityin fluid communication with an evacuation port assembly; removing ahandle from the structural wrapper to provide access to the evacuationport assembly; evacuating the insulating cavity of the structuralwrapper via the evacuation port assembly to define a select pressuredifferential between the insulating cavity and an area external to thestructural wrapper; and coupling the handle to the structural wrapperover the evacuation port assembly.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: cutting a servicing end of a servicing tube of theevacuation port assembly to provide fluid communication between anevacuation device engaged with the servicing tube and the insulatingcavity.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: crimping aservicing end of a servicing tube of the evacuation port assembly toretain the select pressure differential.
 19. The method of claim 16,wherein the step of coupling the handle to the structural wrapperincludes positioning the handle to conceal the evacuation port assembly.20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of evacuating theinsulating cavity includes drawing an at least partial vacuum within thestructural wrapper.